HCC §3-23
When a sign variance can be granted
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section lists the conditions that must all be met before a variance for a sign can be granted. It also says that building a sign without a permit is not by itself a reason to grant a variance.
businesses
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Variances; criteria for granting
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) Only in situations where the following conditions exist may a variance be granted: (1) Granting the variance is necessitated by peculiar physical conditions not ordinarily found in most districts, because of the peculiarity of a business, or as a result of a special event or circumstance; (2) Granting the variance will not adversely affect the rights of adjacent property owners or tenants; (3) Granting the variance will not unreasonably violate the interest, safety, convenience, or general welfare of the public; (4) A strict application of the terms of this chapter would work unnecessary hardship and practical difficulty upon the applicant or the community; (5) Granting the variance will not constitute a grant of personal or special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties under identical ordinances, statutes, or rules; and (6) The application is complete. (b) In and of itself, prior construction of a sign without a permit, regardless of the cost or value of the sign, shall not be deemed to constitute sufficient reason to grant a variance. (2004, ord 04-142, sec 2; am 2020, ord 20-19, sec 3.)3-23 3-17 SUPP. 8 (7-2020) Division 7. Fees.
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.